There was standing room only at a church in Coventry for the funeral of World War Two veteran James Skelcher.

James, known as Jim to many of his family and friends, died aged 91 in December.

At 1.30pm today, he began the journey to his final resting place.

Residents of Willenhall lined both sides of the street as a hearse and limousine drew up to St John the Divine in Robin Hood Road.

Jim’s coffin, draped in the Union Jack, was carried by four pallbearers into the church.

It was greeted by two standard bearers who flanked the coffin into the church.

As mourners arrived to pay their respects, Vera Lynn’s White Cliffs of Dover played throughout the church.

There were ten standard bearers lining Jim’s coffin inside the church with a number of members of the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmens Families Association (SSAFA) in attendance.

When the war veteran’s coffin was carried from the church, numerous mourners chorused “God bless you Jim.”

Originally Jim’s funeral was supposed to take place on February 4 but had to be postponed due to a lack of funds to pay for the ceremony.

When the community in Willenhall heard about it, they rallied round to support his family who were struggling to find the money to meet the funeral costs.

Willenhall Social Club started a fund towards Jim’s funeral on February 7 – and had raised almost £1,000 by the following evening.

Matthew Odea, a member of Willenhall Social Club, said: “That’s the club all over.”

Jim, who lived in Willenhall, was awarded the Burma Star for his part in the Burma campaign during World War Two is survived by his two sons, Peter and Paul.

Jim’s burial took place at Lentons Lane cemetery in Hawkesbury at 2.30pm.

Kevin Bowman, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmens Families Association (SSAFA) branch secretary for Coventry, said: "His service to our country should be recognised in a dignified manner and SSAFA Coventry’s long-standing history with the local military community means that we are best placed to rally support and pay our respects."